Elephant Tree (Operculicarya decaryi)

Elephant Tree is named for its grayish shine and gnarled, bumpy trunk and it makes an unusual subject for bonsai culture. Its thickened trunk, known as a caudex, develops quickly and a beautiful specimen can be grown in several years. This Madagascar native has arching branches covered with fine green succulent foliage. Prune back the out-reaching branches periodically to maintain its shape. In the wintertime, grow drier and in the summer increase water, especially when young. Easy to grow. This is a larger plant in a tree pot.